Entertainment

Ten weird and surprising facts about cats

Cats are known for their unusual behavior and peculiarities. While many cat lovers think they know everything about their feline friends, there are still some weird and surprising facts about cats that many people don’t know. Here are the top 10 weirdest facts about cats.

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1. Cats have a ‘sixth sense’

While this characteristic is not scientifically known as having a “sixth sense,” cats’ senses are more sensitive which gives them an amazing ability to sense vibrations and frequencies that humans cannot perceive. For example, they can detect subtle changes in the air, which allows them to sense approaching danger or even supposedly detect earthquakes before humans can.

2. Cats are ‘milk junkies’

Most cats love milk, but not all cats can digest it properly. The lactose in milk can cause digestive issues for some cats, so it’s best to give them milk in moderation.

3. Cats can see in the dark.

Cats have a layer of cells called the tapetum lucidum that reflects light back through the retina, allowing them to see in low-light conditions – the reason their eyes seem to glow in the dark.

4. Cats have retractable claws

Unlike dogs, cats have retractable claws that they can extend and retract at will. This allows them to climb trees and catch prey without damaging their claws.

5. Cats are excellent hunters

Cats are natural-born hunters, and their sharp senses and quick reflexes make them formidable predators. They can catch prey with incredible speed and agility and are known to be particularly effective at catching rodents.

A Persian cat sticks out its tongue during the International pedigree dog and purebred cat exhibition in Erfurt, Germany. Dogs and cats from 21 countries take part at the exhibition and competitions. (AP)

6. Cats can’t taste sweet flavors

Unlike humans and many other animals, cats do not have taste buds that can detect sweet flavors. This is thought to be because their diet, which is high in protein, does not require them to have a sweet tooth. According to an NPR report, “one of the two genes necessary to make the sweetness receptor [in cats] got permanently switched off millions of years ago.”

7. Cats have a ‘kneading’ behavior

When cats knead with their paws, it’s a behavior that’s often associated with affection and contentment. This behavior is thought to be a holdover from when cats were kittens and kneaded their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow.

8. Cats can get ‘high’ from catnip

Catnip is a plant that contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which can trigger a response in cats that makes them feel euphoric and “high.” Not all cats are affected by catnip, but those that are can become very playful and even a little bit wild.

Tabby cat. (Unsplash, Loan)

9. Cats have a ‘social’ language

Cats communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. They can convey a range of emotions and intentions, from affection and playfulness to aggression and fear.

10. Cats have a strong sense of smell

Cats have an incredible sense of smell that is about 14 times stronger than that of humans. They use their sense of smell to detect prey, identify other cats, and mark their territory.

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Entertainment

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Entertainment

Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds, the Arabian Saluki stands as a symbol of wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this distinctive breed has been a faithful companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and guardian. The Saluki’s agility and loyalty have made it an integral part of hunting and racing traditions, especially within the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
ADIHEX was the first cultural event in the Arab region to honour the bond between Man and his loyal companion, which has been by our side for thousands of years. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a unique initiative designed to promote interest in purebred hunting dogs and to strengthen the new generation’s connection to their ancestral heritage and traditions and to serve as a testament to this unique bond.
With its origin steeped in history, this fascinating dog’s name is believed to be derived from the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, the Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, maintaining this pace over distances up to almost five kilometres. The breed is cherished for its unique physical characteristics, including a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two distinct coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.

Entertainment

Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the allocation of a 500-metre beach for women in Al Luluyah area of Khorfakkan, providing them with complete privacy. The project will include a service building that includes a cafe, a medical clinic and a prayer room for women. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan, to facilitate the movement of citizens, and modifications will be implemented on the internal roads in the Hayawa area.